What causes reflux?
Reflux occurs as the ring of muscle (lower gastro-oesophageal sphincter) between the stomach and the food-pipe is not tight enough.
Who does it affect?
Reflux is very common; it affects about half of all babies.
Is it dangerous?
No, although reflux can appear uncomfortable for the baby, most babies continue to thrive and grow. Symptoms tend to settle with time and most babies are symptom free by one year old.
Symptoms of reflux
- Milky vomits after feeds
- Crying after feeds
- Not wanting to take feeds
- Arching of back after feeds
- Drawing legs up to stomach after feeds
- Coughing/ wheezing after feeds
What is the treatment for reflux?
The treatment of reflux is usually very simple, and can be managed by the GP and health visitor:
- Keep your baby upright during and after feeds
- Feed little and often (rather than large feeds)
- Adding thickener to feeds, or special ’stay down formulas’ may be beneficial.
If these measures do not ease symptoms, medications which reduce stomach acid may be needed; for example, omeprazole or ranitidine.
In very severe cases, where the above treatment has not helped, a baby may need a few tests and further treatment, which would be done in hospital.
Useful Resources
If you have further questions about reflux, please contact your GP or health visitor. The resources below may also provide you with some answers.
- National Institute of clinical guidelines (NICE) – Gastrooesophageal
reflux disease in children and young people:
diagnosis and management.
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng1/ifp/chapter/reflux-in-babies - NHS Choices – Reflux in babies
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/reflux-babies/Pages/Introduction.aspx - Patient.co.uk – Health information, Childhood gastro-oesophageal reflux patient.info/childrens-health/childhood-gastro-oesophageal-reflux-leaflet